Key elements of high-speed WDM terrestrial free-space optical communications systems

Terrestrial free-space optical communication systems operating in WDM configurations @ 2.5Gb/s per channel, have been shown to provide a viable means to transport data, voice and video channels for fiber-less point-to-point applications. Key design features of free-space optical transmission systems are their ability to utilize present day? telecommunication components such as; laser diode transmitters, high-power optical amplifiers within the 1550nm optical window and high-sensitivity optical receivers @ 2.5Gb/s together with telescope terminals. This paper presents key operational elements which impact upon performance characteristics for terrestrial free-space laser communications systems within the 1550nm window. These elements include; optical transmit and receive functionality of the telescope terminals, electro-optic components as well as atmospheric conditions affecting link performance.